AFCON U20: Kenya’s youngsters impress scouts despite early exit

AFCON U20: Kenya’s youngsters impress scouts despite early exit

Despite Kenya’s Rising Stars bowing out of the AFCON U-20 in the group stage, a lot of positive response is coming out for the young lads having impressed a lot of clubs around the globe.

From Kevin Wangaya who won man of the match award in their last group match against Nigeria, to Hassan Beja who scored a goal and assisted in two matches as well as Aldrine Kibet and defender Baron Ochieng.

According to one of the sources close to Wangaya, the unattached midfield maestro has attracted offers from clubs in Italy, Croatia, Georgia, Turkey and the AFCON U-20 hosts Egypt after his unmatched performance at the championhips.

“Offers are flocking in and we are still weighing our options, we are going to settle on what will be beneficial to the midfielder before embarking on the process of signing,” he said.

The Sofapaka right back who played the first two matches in the tourney in Egypt has hinted that he has already signed a pre-contract with Egyptian power house and CAF Champions League finalists Pyramids FC.

He added, “Aldrine Kibet was also meeting some agents during the team’s stay in Egypt from South Africa, Latvia and Belgium.”

The Nastic Academy player started in all of Kenya's three matches where they lost against Morocco and Tunisia before drawing 2-2 against Nigeria.

At the same time Hassan Beja’s camp says they have already received offers from two clubs in Egypt, one in the Middle East club and one from Europe.

Beja scored the Rising Stars second goal in the tournament when they faced Morocco and also assisted Lawrence Ouma’s opener against Tunisia.

The CAF AFCON U-20 Technical Study Group members led by Walter Steenbook and Daniel Amokachi praised Kenya for their brave debut appearance and said they have the potential to go far next time they participate.

“Having the small midfielder[Kevin] who played silky football in the first XI of the group stage of the Championship shows that they had a good outing and we hope they go beyond groups next time,” said Nigerian legend Daniel Amokachi.

A big test for both players and the technical team is be to work hard in the qualifiers and have Kenya back in the continental showpiece which gives a huge platform for the youngsters to showcase their talents worldwide.